Welcome to the new season
16 September 2013
Dear Members, welcome to the new season from everyone at Badminton Ireland.
I write this CEO update on a great day for Irish badminton with Pam Peard and Sian Williams taking the W50 World Masters title in Turkey; congratulations to them both.
On the same weekend, we have many local activities taking place as part of the National Badminton Week; another record entry at the Munster Open in Limerick (with the event streamed to www.BadmintonIreland.TV), and the launch of our new monthly magazine show – please click here to see the 1st edition.
Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of our clubs over the past twelve months, we have seen our membership increase by around 10%. Our members forum, held in July, attracted over 75 members - a great attendance for an out-of-season weekend. In addition, tournament entries have grown, with the new ranking, grading and national tournament circuit ensuring large entries at the Mount Pleasant Open and Munster Open. By improving our standards, we hope to see even more players entering our national events.
The grading system has been updated and members have until September 20 to appeal. I am happy to say that, to date, we have next to no appeals which indicates the great job done by the Brach representatives on the Badminton Ireland working group.
We hope the improved All Ireland grading system, based on a player's a best six results, will lead to better competition at the All Ireland Championships and other tournaments.
A tweak to the ranking system means that players must win a match to get points; first round losers in tournaments no longer gain points. Current rankings are fully accessible via players profiles or on the ranking section of the website.
I am happy to see lots of interest in our partnership with Carlton, with clubs appreciating the €15 rate on the GT1 shuttle and other Carlton offers that are found on the Badminton Ireland eShop. We understand that the cost of playing badminton has risen in recent years due to the price of feathers and we hope that stabilising shuttle prices will help clubs across Ireland. Other benefits of members include 30% off All England tickets; see the Member's Benefits section of the website.
The 2013/2014 season sees the return of the membership card, providing members with essential Badminton Ireland contact numbers, information on benefits, and access to events.
Members can create their own Badminton Ireland membership account at http://bi.tournamentsoftware.com/member/login.aspx.
Here members can see their grade, their club information and can complete their profile with a profile picture, etc. Please be aware that in cases where players play for two clubs, their affiliated club will take preference.
The membership system is becoming increasingly integrated to leagues and events around the country, so it is essential that members keep their information up-to-date.
Finally, with stricter child protection laws this season, any club with child related concerns must report to the Badminton Ireland children’s officer Cheryl Evans +353 872624022 or to the Badminton Ireland office immediately. See the Child Protection section of the website for full information.
May I take this opportunity to wish you all the best for the coming season. We hope to see you all at both the Irish Open (December 4-7th , Baldoyle, Dublin) and 2013 Awards Dinner, which takes place after the Irish Open finals on
Saturday December 7th . On offer are some excellent prizes for the great work by volunteers throughout Ireland in the past twelve months.